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ANNAPOLIS, MD​ — Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Secretary Anthony Woods joined Fort George G. Meade Garrison Commander Colonel Yolanda Gore on March 19 at a technical job fair.  The fair was hosted by the Fort George G. Meade MWR—MDOL / American Job Center, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC), Transition Assistance Program, Fleet & Family Support Center, and Army Community Service and was open to veterans and other job seekers impacted by recent government layoffs and seeking a new career in the technical field.

Secretary Woods met with veterans interested in information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering technical fields. Nearly 30 percent of federal workers are veterans and are among those hardest hit by the reduction of the federal workforce.

More than 500 people attended and 35 employers participated. Companies were on hand to evaluate resumes and provide preparation assistance services. DVMF’s Veteran Benefits Specialists were on-site to conduct one-on-one claim consultations with veterans seeking information about VA benefits and services.

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The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands in strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) plans to cut 82,000 employees across its nationwide system. These drastic reductions will have devastating consequences for Maryland veterans, who rely on the VA for healthcare, benefits, and critical support services.

There is no doubt that the VA can improve operations, but this is not a matter of efficiency—it is a direct threat to the well-being of those who have sacrificed for our country. These cuts will mean longer wait times for benefits and claims processing, increased delays in medical appointments, diminished quality of care at VA hospitals and clinics, and reduced access to the mental health resources that help prevent veteran suicide. Maryland veterans are already feeling the impact of layoffs that have included claims adjudicators and crisis line staff—positions that are essential to serving those who have borne the cost of war.

As Secretary, I have an obligation to ensure that Maryland veterans are not left behind. Our department is committed to making sure their voices are heard and that they receive the care and support they deserve. We will continue to advocate for the resources and staffing necessary to uphold the promise our nation made to those who served.

We also need to hear directly from our veteran community. If you have recently experienced longer-than-expected wait times, cancellations, or a decline in the quality of care, please share your story with us. Your experiences matter, and we are committed to demanding action and accountability on your behalf.

Maryland’s commitment to its veterans is unwavering, and we will not allow these cuts to jeopardize their health, stability, or dignity. No veteran should be left without the care and benefits they have earned. 

We will fight for them because they fought for us.

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
[email protected]
667-270-1645 (m)

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands firmly in support of all those who have answered the call to serve our country, including our transgender service members and veterans. The recent discriminatory Executive Order​ and policy guidance released from the Department of Defense to ban transgender military personnel from serving in the military takes aim at transgender troops in a personal way, dehumanizing them and falsely denying their honor, integrity, and sacrifice. 

The military’s strength has always come from the dedication and diversity of those who serve. Maryland’s DVMF opposes any policy banning or discriminating against our transgender service members and veterans who serve our country with distinction and honor. This policy undermines the military’s role as an inclusive institution, one that reflects the diversity of our nation’s population. 

We know our country is strongest when we recruit and retain the most capable and talented warfighters, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Any policy that weakens this recruitment pool only makes us less safe. 

From my own personal experience, I understand the pain one goes through from being removed from an institution that you have given your life to protect. Under the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay, bisexual, and lesbian people from serving in the US Armed Forces, I was discharged. I was forced to leave behind the career I had built, not because of my ability or dedication, but because of who I am. Many others, including transgender service members, faced the same injustice under "Don't ask, don't tell." Now, history is repeating itself, and transgender troops and their families are once again facing the pain, uncertainty, and betrayal of being told their service is unworthy and their sacrifice is unwelcome. 

Maryland stands firmly in support of our veterans and service members. Through programs and resources, DVMF ensures equality and opportunity for all. We stand by our veterans, upholding the values of fairness, respect, and inclusivity for all those who serve. 

The DVMF’s resources and benefits page for LGBTQIA+ Veterans has numerous programs and resources available for impacted service members and veterans. Visit veterans.maryland.gov/lgbtqia-veterans-page. For crisis support, please call the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans CrisisLine, by dialing 988, press #1. 

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
[email protected]
667.270.1645 (m)

New name aligns with the department’s mission to serve all who serve, including military families

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Secretary Tony Woods today announced the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has officially changed its name to the Department of Veterans and Military Families. 

"Before I deployed to Afghanistan, I thought military service was toughest on our soldiers. After I deployed, I realized it was toughest on our families," sai​d Gov. Moore. "Our military families sacrifice everything so their loved ones can serve; they are just as much a part of the American story as those in the armed forces. This important name change recognizes that fundamental truth." 

The inclusion of “Military Families” in the Department’s official name better reflects the diverse community it serves including dependents, veteran caregivers, and survivors. Members of this broader military connected community play an important role in ensuring the well-being of our service members and veterans and are similarly eligible for earned benefits and resources. 

The Departmental name change resulted from legislation, SB0411 and HB0431, championed by Senator Dawn Gile and Delegate Andrew Pruski. Governor Moore signed the bills into law on April 9, 2024. The legislation renames the Department and mandates the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Military Family Policy and Programs, who will be responsible for overseeing agency strategy, policy, and initiatives to respond to the unique needs of our military and veteran families. “Since the founding of the Department in 1999, military families have always been included in our mission statement,” said Secretary Tony Woods. “Changing our name better reflects our mission and serves as an important reminder that military families - including dependents, veteran caregivers,​ and survivors - play a vital role in service to the nation and they have an advocate in our Department to support them through life’s transitions.” The Department of Veterans and Military Families will work closely with the newly established Maryland Commission on Veterans and Military Families to implement policy recommendations dedicated to veterans and military families. These recommendations will be presented to the Maryland General Assembly and Moore-Miller Administration in December 2024. 

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Contact:

Dana Burl, Director of Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy

[email protected]